Overview

• A 'fire tornado' was captured on video Friday night during the Pacific Palisades wildfire, raising questions about its rarity and intensity.
• Experts clarified the phenomenon was likely a 'fire whirl,' a less severe event compared to true fire tornadoes, which are rare and highly destructive.
• The Pacific Palisades fire has burned over 23,000 acres, contributing to a total of more than 40,000 acres scorched in Los Angeles County this week.
• At least 16 deaths have been reported across multiple fires in the region, with thousands of homes destroyed and over 100,000 residents under evacuation orders.
• Firefighters are battling four major blazes, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, with the Palisades fire only 11% contained as it moves toward inland communities.